Rapid detection of escherichia coli O157 : H7 by fluorescent amplification-based specific hybridization (FLASH) PCR

Background : Escherichia coli O157 : H7 is an enteric pathogen which can be frequently found asymptomatically in ruminant mammals, but can cause diseases from mild diarrhea to hemolytic uremic syndrome in humans. Methods : We developed fluorescent amplification-based specific hybridization (FLASH–PCR) assay to detect the Stx-encoding gene Stx-1 of E. coli O157 : H7. Result : PCR product of 336 bp was successfully amplified in a FLASH–PCR. Conclusion : As rapid detection and confirmation of the presence of E. coli O157 : H7 are of importance for the medical, food, and water industries, FLASH-PCR is one of selective methods for detection of E. coli O157 : H7.